This slim book is yet another attempt to bridge the large gap in understanding and cooperation between Christians and Muslims. It is a helpful guide to getting to know the Qur’an through thirty brief reflections on various suras [chapters], presented by Cardinal Michael L. Fitzgerald. [The 30 chapters span the sacred month of Ramzan, and so the reader is advised to read one chapter a day.]
Michael L. Fitzgerald, born in England, was ordained a priest of the Missionaries of Africa in 1961, and studied at the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Rome, of which he became Director [1972-1978]. Ordained bishop in 1992, he served as Apostolic Nuncio in Egypt and as Delegate to the Arab League [2006-2012].
In these Ramzan readings, Fitzgerald “walks us through” the holy book of Islam, and makes us see and sense its spiritual message. He highlights specially the Biblical patriarchs and prophets found in the Qur’an, as well as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
This is a simple and easy-to-read book, and a valuable introduction to many Christians who would otherwise not know how to start reading the Qur’an. And it would help even more, as this reviewer has often pointed out, if this book were also made available in a Hindi or Tamil translation.
Myron J. Pereira, SJ
Title: Journeying with Muslims: Listening, Praying and Working Together
Author: Cardinal Michael L. Fitzgerald, M. Afr.
Publisher: Islamic Studies Association, New Delhi
Pages: 71
Price: —
The author is a voracious reader and lives at Campion School, Mumbai.
